Polling place locations have changed in Champaign County for three reasons. One, a location may no longer be available. Two, there may be a more suitable polling place. Three, redistricting and precinct line changes make a location unnecessary or inappropriate.

Since becoming County Clerk in 1997, I have made every effort to provide the best polling place locations for both voters and election judges. Here are some of the considerations that have gone into those decisions in the past.

First, no one should dismiss polling place location as an important factor in voter turnout. While most voters will still vote in the face of minor inconveniences, there are some voters who will choose to stay home if presented with a polling place problem.

It is rarely easy to find polling place locations. A good location requires wheelchair accessibility, plenty of parking, plenty of room for voters and judges, an accessible bathroom, available electricity, good lighting, and a phone.

When I first became County Clerk, I heard some complaints about the locations of some polling places and proactively began to make changes. A few examples stand out. City of Champaign 34 voters were going to the Kaufman Lake boathouse. Exiting the boat house required turning left across Rt. 10 from an upward slope with loose gravel. It was tough at any time of the day, but especially difficult during the morning commute hours, when many people choose to vote. We moved that to the Farm Bureau building on Country Fair Drive which was closer, more comfortable and safer. City of Champaign 12 voters had to vote in the foyer of the Central High School gymnasium. This was small and offered no protection from the elements when the doors were opened. The parking near the school was also very bad. We moved that polling place to the Holy Cross Parish Center, once again with more parking and a more comfortable facility. In Cunningham 9, voters had to go across Lincoln Avenue and find parking outside the Florida Avenue Residence Hall. We were able to move that polling place to Twin City Bible Church and worked with the City of Urbana to reserve parking for voters on the street. We have made a number of other changes in polling places at the request of judges and voters.

Most of our polling place changes though are out of necessity. The location that had been used was no longer available for some reason. Perhaps a church closed down, or there was a scheduling conflict. Schools continue to have difficulty finding space for us. When Mrs. Willard Koss died in 2003, we lost our last polling place located in someone’s home.

When we lose a polling place there are a number of things we might do to find a new location. In outlying areas we talk with the township supervisor who helps us manage polling places in the rural areas. We often talk to our judges about it. I usually drive around an area looking for suitable places. As we gather the possible locations we will do a site inspection to make sure the location is wheel chair accessible and has enough space for voting. Often, our judges also inspect the location.

When I began as Clerk, our office took the sole responsibility for choosing a new polling place. Now, however, I consult with the County Board Chairman with any new polling place locations. We have established a good cooperative relationship and have never had the County Board Chairman object to a new location.

After we make a choice regarding the new polling place location, we print new voter ID cards for the voters in the precinct that include their new polling place location. We usually send a letter as well, although after redistricting we only sent new voter ID cards.

The process of changing polling places generally goes very smoothly. Most new locations are at least the equal of the previous location, and many times it is a great improvement, which pleases both the judges and voters. However, there have been a few times where there has been controversy.

After redistricting, a number of people did not look closely at their new voter ID card and went to their old polling place. We responded to that problem by redesigning our card and placing the polling place location at the upper left portion of the card where it would hopefully stand out more.

In two instances, we had to make last week changes in polling places. In Cunningham 14 one year, we had to notify the voters in the district of the lack of accessibility for wheelchairs in the polling place because of a construction project going on at that time. In Champaign Township Precinct 2 we had to change a polling place location after the publication of the voter guide because of road construction which made the published polling place inaccessible to the voters. As this is the largest precinct in the county, it created a lot of confusion.

This year there will be another reason for moving polling places. We will be consolidating some polling places in an effort to reduce the expenses of new voting equipment. We currently have 6 precincts that share a polling place. That number will increase to 20 next year. Once again, all voters will be informed of any changes that impact them.

In 1997, when I became County Clerk, one of the first things I did was to call all the election judges in Champaign County. One of those calls stands out. I talked with Marge Overmyer who told me that she had served for nearly 50 years as a judge. In fact, her first election was 1948, the year that Dewey defeated Truman Truman defeated Dewey. From that conversation, I came to believe that it was important to show our appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our election judges. That fall, we had a ceremony to honor our judges at Parkland College. That has been followed by picnics every two years that give us a chance to say thanks to our judges.

This past Sunday was our fifth “thank you” event. Over 300 judges and their guests showed up, our largest crowd ever. Here are a few pictures from the event, including one of Marge Overmyer and me as she accepts her certificate for 55 years of service.

Each election, we need approximately 600 election judges. It is never easy to get enough. If you would like to become an election judge, fill out the form on our website. It is a rewarding public service, and critical to the integrity and efficiency of our elections.

It’s 14 months until the November 2006 elections, but it’s just one week before the first day to circulate petitions to get on the ballot. Serving in public office is an important service. It is always rewarding, even if it is sometimes trying. Click on this link to learn more about the requirements to get on the ballot. Click on this link to print out petition forms.

I hope there is a full slate of candidates next year for the voters of Champaign County. More choices means more debate, more discussion, more participation, and better government.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has issued an opinion that suggests that Home Rule municipalities (Champaign, Urbana, and Rantoul in Champaign County) may adopt, by referendum, instant runoff (IRV) and cumulative voting within their communities. The opinion relies on the Illinois Constitution and finds a distinction (correctly I believe) between the “form of government” and the “manner of selection” of officers.

Instant runoff voting is a favorite of political reformers, including many local green party members. In fact, local Green Party activist and U of I law student, Jennifer Walling, actually put together and submitted legal arguments that made their way to the Attorney General. It can be anticipated that many of our local reformers will be looking for the opportunity to put either or both of these issues on the ballot for Champaign and Urbana.

IRV is not just about election reform. It can also be a cost savings for election officials and it also makes it more practical for military, overseas, and other absentee voters to participate in the municipal elections. It will be interesting to see how this plays out locally in the twin cities. It’s an effort I would support.